We Are A Community

At Michigan Ross, you gain more than just a first-class business education. Our collaborative, supportive, inclusive community enriches your experience, and sets you up with a lifetime network of friends across the globe.

You are here

When your organization sponsors an Executive Multidisciplinary Action Project (ExecMAP), you get a team of elite Executive MBA students, guided by senior faculty, to tackle your most pressing business challenges.

Our Executive MBA students are intelligent, innovative, and accomplished; typically in their late 30s to mid-40s; with diverse backgrounds and years of practical experience in a variety of fields and functions. Students spend 10 weeks working on your project, from September to December.

Considering ExecMAP

If you are interested in sponsoring a project, the first thing to do is develop a project proposal.

What Makes a Good ExecMAP Proposal?

ExecMAP delivers the most value when you have pressing, strategic issues with no simple solution. The best projects:

Require a multidisciplinary approach.

Can be successfully completed in 10 weeks by a team of part-time students.

Have strong support from senior-level management.

Demand a set of actionable recommendations.

RESPONSIBILITIES & COSTS

Provide a senior dedicated and engaged project liaison.

Provide relevant data, which may be proprietary, to the ExecMAP team.

Arrange for the ExecMAP team to interview key personnel appropriate to the project.

Provide workspace and appropriate business and communications equipment while the team is on-site.

How ExecMAP Works

1. Developing a Project Proposal With Us - April through LATE jUNE

We’ll work with you to ensure that the proposal meets the objectives of your organization, the school, and the students.

2. Review and Approval - july

Ross faculty review all proposals. We’ll get back in touch to provide an update on the status of your project within six weeks of the proposal deadline.

3. Bidding and Team Formation - late july through early august

Executive MBA students bid to work on approved projects and are assigned, along with faculty advisors, according to their preferences and your stated needs.

4. Kickoff and project work - LATE september through december

Your ExecMAP team immerses in the project, traveling and working on-site as required.

5. final presentation - mid-december

Your ExecMAP team and faculty advisor deliver their final presentation to you and other key stakeholders. ExecMAP teams present to the organization’s senior leadership either virtually or on campus in Ann Arbor or Los Angeles.

Making ExecMAP Succeed

HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT

Tips to keep in mind during the planning process

Begin early – we’re happy to help.

Educate management about ExecMAP.

Get senior management buy-in.

Appoint a company liaison and alternate liaison.

Communicate project goals early.

Identify information sources (internal and external).

Budget for project costs.

Choose an Executive MBA campus - We have cohorts based in both Ann Arbor and Los Angeles.

ORIENTATION

How to start a project team in the right direction

Provide the team with an understanding of your organization: culture, goals, and vision.

Facilitate meetings with senior management and key contacts.

Work with the team to organize and schedule internal presentations.

Discuss the team’s Statement of Work with them.

Treat the ExecMAP team as partners/colleagues, not student interns.

Allow the team be creative – use their external perspective to your advantage.

Have fun getting to know the team. Consider arranging a team dinner.

BEFORE THE ON-SITE VISIT

What to do before Ross Executive MBAs visit your site

Hold conference calls. Discuss the topic and answer questions.

Provide pre-reading.

Set up meetings for the team to meet people early in the process (including HR, decision-makers, and senior management).

LOGISTICS & HOUSEKEEPING

Things to remember

Prepare a written travel policy.

Clearly explain spending/reimbursement policy.

Arrange access to corporate resources.

Provide conference call numbers.

Provide office space/access.

ONGOING PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Tips to keep the project on track

Provide weekly contact or meetings (plan on 2-5 hours per week of total effort).

Schedule a midterm project review.

Be available and responsive.

Manage responsiveness within your corporation.

Contact faculty advisor if issues arise.

Expect some modifications to the Statement of Work.

PROJECT FINAL PRESENTATION

Consider who to invite and attending in person

Attending the final presentation in person allows for more participation by management.

Attendees provide valuable feedback on next steps.

The final presentation can also occur virtually at the request of the project sponsor if you are not able to travel to campus.

DURING AND AFTER MAP

Get the most out of the engagement

Consider deepening your relationship with the Ross School of Business by working with other cohorts of students through the MAP program on a continuation of this or other projects.